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DS485MX RS422/RS485 Half-Duplex Transceiver Equivalent & Substitute Parts
Part Overview
The DS485MX is a half-duplex RS422/RS485 transceiver manufactured by Texas Instruments, housed in an 8-SOIC package. This interface IC is designed for industrial communication networks requiring robust serial data transmission over twisted-pair cabling. The DS485MX is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing system maintenance, redesigns, and new production runs. Substitute parts must maintain electrical compatibility across supply voltage, data rate, operating temperature, and mechanical packaging to ensure direct replacement capability.
Substiute Parts
Key Parameters
| Parameter | DS485MX Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Texas Instruments |
| Protocol | RS422, RS485 |
| Type | Transceiver Half-Duplex |
| Number of Drivers/Receivers | 1/1 |
| Receiver Hysteresis | 70 mV |
| Data Rate | 2.5 Mbps |
| Voltage - Supply | 4.75V ~ 5.25V |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C ~ 85°C |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Package / Case | 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width) |
| Product Status | Obsolete |
| RoHS Status | RoHS Non-Compliant |
Substitute Part Grouping Explanation
Substitution eligibility for the DS485MX is determined by strict alignment across the following critical parameters:
Core Electrical Compatibility Requirements:
- Protocol: RS422/RS485 half-duplex operation
- Driver/Receiver Configuration: 1/1 topology
- Supply Voltage Range: 4.75V ~ 5.25V (5V nominal)
- Package Type: 8-SOIC mechanical form factor
- Receiver Hysteresis: 70 mV (primary specification)
Acceptable Variation Ranges:
- Data Rate: Minimum 2.5 Mbps (higher rates are acceptable)
- Operating Temperature: Extended range (-40°C ~ 85°C) preferred; commercial range (0°C ~ 70°C) acceptable for non-industrial applications
- RoHS Compliance: Active substitutes must meet ROHS3 compliance for new designs
Substitute parts are grouped into three categories: direct equivalents (matching all electrical parameters), compatible alternatives (meeting core requirements with minor parameter differences), and upgraded variants (extended temperature range or enhanced performance).
Parameter Comparison
| Part Number | Manufacturer | Protocol | Drivers/Receivers | Hysteresis | Data Rate | Supply Voltage | Temp Range | Package | Product Status | RoHS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DS485MX | Texas Instruments | RS422/RS485 | 1/1 | 70 mV | 2.5 Mbps | 4.75V ~ 5.25V | -40°C ~ 85°C | 8-SOIC | Obsolete | Non-Compliant |
| LTC485CS8#PBF | Analog Devices Inc. | RS422/RS485 | 1/1 | 70 mV | — | 4.75V ~ 5.25V | 0°C ~ 70°C | 8-SOIC | Active | ROHS3 Compliant |
| LTC485CS8#TRPBF | Analog Devices Inc. | RS422/RS485 | 1/1 | 70 mV | — | 4.75V ~ 5.25V | 0°C ~ 70°C | 8-SOIC | Active | ROHS3 Compliant |
| MAX481CSA+ | Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated | RS422/RS485 | 1/1 | 70 mV | 2.5 Mbps | 4.75V ~ 5.25V | 0°C ~ 70°C | 8-SOIC | Active | ROHS3 Compliant |
| MAX481CSA+T | Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated | RS422/RS485 | 1/1 | 70 mV | 2.5 Mbps | 4.75V ~ 5.25V | 0°C ~ 70°C | 8-SOIC | Active | ROHS3 Compliant |
| MAX485CSA+ | Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated | RS422/RS485 | 1/1 | 50 mV | 2.5 Mbps | 4.75V ~ 5.25V | 0°C ~ 70°C | 8-SOIC | Active | ROHS3 Compliant |
| MAX485CSA+T | Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated | RS422/RS485 | 1/1 | 50 mV | 2.5 Mbps | 4.75V ~ 5.25V | 0°C ~ 70°C | 8-SOIC | Active | ROHS3 Compliant |
| MAX481ESA+ | Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated | RS422/RS485 | 1/1 | 70 mV | 2.5 Mbps | 4.75V ~ 5.25V | -40°C ~ 85°C | 8-SOIC | Active | ROHS3 Compliant |
| MAX485ESA+ | Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated | RS422/RS485 | 1/1 | 70 mV | 2.5 Mbps | 4.75V ~ 5.25V | -40°C ~ 85°C | 8-SOIC | Active | ROHS3 Compliant |
| ADM485ARZ | UMW | RS422/RS485 | 1/1 | 70 mV | 2.5 Mbps | 4.75V ~ 5.25V | 0°C ~ 70°C | 8-SOIC | Active | — |
| ADM485ARZ-REEL | Analog Devices Inc. | RS422/RS485 | 1/1 | 70 mV | 5 Mbps | 4.75V ~ 5.25V | -40°C ~ 85°C | 8-SOIC | Active | ROHS3 Compliant |
Engineering Selection Recommendations
For Direct Replacement (Industrial Temperature Range Required):
MAX481ESA+ and MAX485ESA+ are the primary substitutes for applications requiring the full -40°C ~ 85°C operating temperature range. Both parts maintain 70 mV receiver hysteresis, 2.5 Mbps data rate, and 8-SOIC packaging. MAX481ESA+ and MAX485ESA+ are active products with ROHS3 compliance, eliminating obsolescence risk and meeting modern environmental standards.
ADM485ARZ-REEL provides an upgraded alternative with extended temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C) and enhanced data rate capability (5 Mbps), offering performance headroom for future system requirements while maintaining full electrical compatibility.
For Commercial Temperature Applications (0°C ~ 70°C):
MAX481CSA+, MAX481CSA+T, LTC485CS8#PBF, and LTC485CS8#TRPBF are suitable for non-industrial environments. These parts are active products with ROHS3 compliance. Packaging variants (Tube vs. Cut Tape & Digi-Reel) accommodate different procurement and assembly workflows.
Hysteresis Consideration:
MAX485CSA+ and MAX485CSA+T feature 50 mV receiver hysteresis, which is tighter than the DS485MX specification of 70 mV. This reduced hysteresis improves noise immunity in high-noise environments but requires verification against system noise margins before selection.
Compliance and Availability:
All recommended substitutes are active products with ROHS3 compliance, ensuring long-term availability and regulatory alignment. The DS485MX obsolete status necessitates transition to one of these active alternatives for new designs and ongoing production support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can MAX485CSA+ directly replace DS485MX?
A: MAX485CSA+ meets core electrical requirements (RS422/RS485, 1/1 configuration, 4.75V ~ 5.25V supply, 8-SOIC package, 2.5 Mbps data rate) but operates over 0°C ~ 70°C instead of -40°C ~ 85°C. For industrial applications requiring extended temperature range, MAX485ESA+ is the appropriate substitute.
Q: What is the difference between MAX481 and MAX485 series?
A: Both MAX481 and MAX485 are half-duplex RS422/RS485 transceivers in 8-SOIC packages with identical electrical interfaces. The primary difference is receiver hysteresis: MAX481 maintains 70 mV (matching DS485MX), while MAX485 features 50 mV. Selection depends on system noise immunity requirements.
Q: Are LTC485CS8#PBF and LTC485CS8#TRPBF interchangeable?
A: Both parts are electrically identical LTC485 transceivers in 8-SOIC packages. The difference is packaging format: #PBF indicates Tube packaging, while #TRPBF indicates Cut Tape & Digi-Reel format. Selection is based on procurement and assembly process requirements, not electrical performance.
Q: Why does ADM485ARZ-REEL specify 5 Mbps data rate instead of 2.5 Mbps?
A: ADM485ARZ-REEL is a performance-enhanced variant supporting higher data rates. The 5 Mbps capability is backward-compatible with 2.5 Mbps systems, providing design margin and future scalability without compromising existing functionality.
Q: Is RoHS compliance mandatory for DS485MX replacement?
A: The DS485MX is RoHS non-compliant. For new designs and systems subject to environmental regulations, ROHS3-compliant substitutes (MAX481ESA+, MAX485ESA+, LTC485CS8 series, ADM485ARZ-REEL) are required. Legacy system repairs may use non-compliant alternatives if regulatory exemptions apply.
Q: Can I use commercial-temperature parts (0°C ~ 70°C) in industrial applications?
A: Commercial-temperature parts are not suitable for industrial environments exceeding 70°C or operating below 0°C. Extended-temperature variants (MAX481ESA+, MAX485ESA+, ADM485ARZ-REEL) rated -40°C ~ 85°C must be used for industrial applications.
Q: What is the significance of the "E" temperature grade in MAX481ESA+ and MAX485ESA+?
A: The "E" designator indicates extended industrial temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C). This distinguishes these parts from commercial-grade variants (MAX481CSA+, MAX485CSA+) rated 0°C ~ 70°C, ensuring reliable operation across full industrial temperature extremes.
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